Summarise the following points on Individualist approach of Robert Nozick, in one paragraph:

Question

Summarise the following points on Individualist approach of Robert Nozick, in one paragraph:

• Criticizes Rawls’ redistributive state as there can be no justification for sacrificing some of
those individuals for the sake of others
• Social justice exists when the individual is free to follow his own interests in a free-market
system, unconstrained by any compulsory community commitments
• Individual’s natural rights are a built-in constraint on the activities of other individuals 
MORAL SIDE RESTRAINT // Lockean proviso
• Natural right to owned property depends on how person came into possession of that property:
• Property was ownerless when acquired – res nullius – justice in acquisition
• Property validly transferred from one owner to another – justice in transfer
• The state is ‘minimal’  it must protect property, fight @ the use of force, theft and fraud &
enforce contracts
• Any law compelling the redistribution of wealth offends the natural rights of those who hold
title to it  distribution of wealth is forced labour imposed upon productive members of society
Members of society’s duties  negative versus positive duties
 duties of justice versus duties of charity
 identification of who bears duties – causal contribution to
injustice
 What about duties without corresponding rights, eg to family,
• community, nation?

Answer 1

Robert Nozick's individualist approach criticizes Rawls' redistributive state, arguing that sacrificing some individuals for the sake of others cannot be justified. He believes that social justice exists when individuals are free to pursue their own interests in a free-market system without compulsory community commitments, with natural rights serving as a constraint on others' activities. Nozick's theory includes justice in acquisition and transfer of property, with the state having a minimal role in protecting property and enforcing contracts. He opposes any law that compels wealth redistribution, as it violates the natural rights of property holders and constitutes forced labor. Nozick also discusses the distinction between negative and positive duties, duties of justice versus duties of charity, and the concept of duties without corresponding rights.